For indigenous peoples, elders are the most respected and admired individuals in a family. They advise and teach the younger ones with their own example of a life dedicated to the community, in reverence, gratitude and respect for nature, always valuing traditional habits and customs. This love with which the elders pass on tradition to the next generations wins over children and young people, and makes them continue working to maintain an entire ancestral culture. Susana, an Akawaio indigenous woman, tells us that the greatest teaching her father gave her was the discourse and cultivation of peace in the family: a good coexistence between loved ones is based on harmony and peace among all. “And this teaching,” she also said, “I pass on to my three children.”
Today, May 15, as established by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), marks the International Day of Families. On this day, we can reflect on the importance of an original family as a fundamental nucleus for the growth and development of an indigenous person from a given people, for the protection of their cultural identity and for their recognition within a society — based on coexistence with their first social group: their family — even when living in another country, living with people who have traditions, habits, language and customs that are very different from their own.
The forced migration of hundreds of Venezuelan indigenous families to Brazil, due to the sociopolitical crisis faced by Venezuela, is a reality that we have been witnessing since 2016. Many indigenous people, such as the Warao, migrated to Brazil, especially to border areas, such as Roraima, and here they have been supported by the Roraima Humanitarian Mission, an initiative of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM).
Although the Roraima Mission is contributing to the preservation of indigenous culture among Venezuelan migrants through intercultural fairs, workshops and courses held at the Indigenous Cultural and Training Centre (CCFI), challenges and difficulties always come to light and are faced by families in situations of forced displacement — such as the breakdown of support networks, changes in family roles, loss of territories and cultural shock. “Family unity is a fundamental key to overcoming trauma. During these nine years of the Roraima Humanitarian Mission, we have been able to witness stories of many families. Some, beautiful — of overcoming and unity, despite the pain of migration. Others, however, of great suffering and rupture of ties. But, in all of them, we realized the importance of presence, of having a family nucleus to trust, to overcome this situation of vulnerability”, comments Aajhmaná, from the coordination of the Roraima Humanitarian Mission.
Indigenous women, for example, play an important role in maintaining traditions and supporting new generations, but they are often having to change their routines and the role they play in the family to sell their crafts and help the men survive. It is worth noting that the indigenous female presence at the CCFI ensures that ancestral traditions are not lost during this very delicate period, culturally speaking. Ancient practices converge with contemporary ones in the framework of the knowledge that has been passed on to the youngest members of the communities in their daily lives and through the Knowledge Meetings.
Considering the importance that the indigenous family has for cultural perpetuation, the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM) promotes musical and dance performances, as well as the exchange of knowledge between elders of the same people and between elders of different peoples, through storytelling sessions that take place at the Intercultural Fairs in Boa Vista (Roraima), which favor the experience of indigenous culture even in a culturally adverse refugee situation.
In this context, Juan Diego, a volunteer actor, reports that among the indigenous people served, there is an entire family of Kariña indigenous people who are supported: the father was nominated and provided with equipment for his business; the mother, three children and five nephews have participated in the Intercultural Fairs since 2022, with music and dance performances by their cultural group.
Paintings and making handicrafts from buriti leaves are examples of daily practices that take place at the CCFI and that strengthen cultural identity — even outside their ancestral territory.
The migrant indigenous people also had to adapt to the new routines and structures of support services that were generally offered to them, such as school education, health care and forms of housing in emergency shelters, which had an impact on family dynamics.
On this date, we also take the opportunity to highlight the importance of the role of humanitarian organizations, educators, caregivers and public officials in this context of valuing the family, so essential for cultural preservation in refugee situations. The CCFI seeks to provide opportunities for indigenous refugees to integrate socially and move on with their lives, without losing their original essence, with dignity and respect.
Expanding our reflection on what indigenous Venezuelan immigration can teach our society and our families, we can visualize the learning opportunities left by indigenous families, who speak of resilience, love and reverence to our elders; to protect our identity and define our role in the world; and, finally, how to overcome obstacles and continue life in unity, solidarity and cooperation.
